Tag: Karate

Interview with HMA Instructor and Researcher Guy Windsor: Growth of the Movement in Europe

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When Guy Windsor enrolled in University in 1992, he quickly joined every martial arts club that was available. Soon, he found that fencing was his calling, but not the modern sport. In 1994, he co-founded the Dawn Duellists' Society to explore historical fencing. That exploration has led him to author numerous books, create a swordfighting … Continue reading Interview with HMA Instructor and Researcher Guy Windsor: Growth of the Movement in Europe

Interview with Longtime Kenshi Jim Dixon: Nobuto Omoto and Kendo Politics

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Rob Nobuto Omoto left a big impression of a young Jim Dixon after teaching a class at the Seattle Kendo Kai. Throughout his kendo training, Dixon always returned back to Omoto’s teachings and kept in contact often. Where Dixon went, Hawaii, New York, California, New Mexico, he always found a way to practice kendo and … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Kenshi Jim Dixon: Nobuto Omoto and Kendo Politics

Interview with Athens Ohio Ki-Aikido Founder Stan Haehl: Ki-Aikido from Kansas to Ohio, Part I

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Stan Haehl heard of aikido before, but it was not until 1978 that he found a class in his small town in Kansas. He first learned the art under Barbra Bloom, then traveled to Boulder, Colorado to train under the Midland Ki Federation head Koichi Kashiwaya, and lastly, under Andrew T. Tsubaki. In 2008, his … Continue reading Interview with Athens Ohio Ki-Aikido Founder Stan Haehl: Ki-Aikido from Kansas to Ohio, Part I

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Kirk Scott: Aikido of Tamalpais

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This interview was originally conducted in the fall of 2020, as the first of many planned interviewed within an organizational project. Kirk Scott first started out in Koei Kan karate-do until he needed a break from training after the injuries he sustained. He later found aikido and has continued with it ever since. Today, Scott … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Kirk Scott: Aikido of Tamalpais

Interview with Sunday Morning Keiko Founder Rick Hotton: Karate, Aikido, and Body Intelligence, Part III

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Rick Hotton began training Shotokan Karate in the early 1970s, being one of the youngest practitioners to join the dojo. After taking responsibility for the dojo he once trained in, curiosity led him to aikido pioneer Mitsugi Saotome, who, to Hotton, is his best karate teacher. Today, Hotton discusses his karate journey, how Saotome influenced … Continue reading Interview with Sunday Morning Keiko Founder Rick Hotton: Karate, Aikido, and Body Intelligence, Part III

Interview with Sunday Morning Keiko Founder Rick Hotton: Karate, Aikido, and Body Intelligence, Part I

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Rick Hotton began training Shotokan Karate in the early 1970s, being one of the youngest practitioners to join the dojo. After taking responsibility for the dojo he once trained in, curiosity led him to aikido pioneer Mitsugi Saotome, who, to Hotton, is his best karate teacher. Today, Hotton discusses his karate journey, how Saotome influenced … Continue reading Interview with Sunday Morning Keiko Founder Rick Hotton: Karate, Aikido, and Body Intelligence, Part I

Interview with Vermont Aikido Chief Instructor Aaron Ward: Vermont Aikido, Ken Nisson, and Terry Dobson, Part I

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Aaron Ward had an interesting event occur during his aikido journey: he got to know Terry Dobson on a personal level during his time at Vermont Aikido. Taking the role of chief instructor since 2001, Ward took some time to talk about his aikido journey, his relationship with Terry Dobson and Ken Nisson, and how … Continue reading Interview with Vermont Aikido Chief Instructor Aaron Ward: Vermont Aikido, Ken Nisson, and Terry Dobson, Part I

Interview with Longtime HEMA Instructor Steaphen Fick: Sword Fighting and Teaching, Part II

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Steaphen Fick was always interested in sword fighting, fighting at any chance he could get when he was a child. As he grew up, he found a touring fighting company in 1989, proceeding to participate in almost 2,000 duels and battles. It was not until the 1990s, where he found himself traveling all around Europe, … Continue reading Interview with Longtime HEMA Instructor Steaphen Fick: Sword Fighting and Teaching, Part II

Interview with Longtime Karl Geis Student David Russell: His Time with Geis

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David Russell first started in Isshin-ryu Karate until he found a book on aikido, quickly dismissing it. It was not until later that he met a friend proficient in the art, leaving him surprised. This initial shock led him to seek instruction from Karl Geis. Today, Russell joins us to discuss that time under Geis … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Karl Geis Student David Russell: His Time with Geis

Interview with Sanbukan Dojo: Mits Yamashita, In Memoriam

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Mits Yamashita was a powerful force for Yoshinkan Aikido in California. In this special interview, eleven of his black belts and senior students came together to issue a few words of remembrance and memorial for Yamashita. In it, they narrate important parts of their teacher’s life, how they began training under him, and what kind … Continue reading Interview with Sanbukan Dojo: Mits Yamashita, In Memoriam